Bhopal Launches Electric Bus Trials Under PM E-Bus Sewa Scheme

Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, is set to revolutionize its public transport system with the introduction of electric buses under the PM E-Bus Sewa scheme. The city will begin free passenger trials of 10 air-conditioned electric buses today, which will operate on two routes.

The electric buses are equipped with modern AI safety features, including AIS-140 GPS tracking, air conditioning, five CCTV cameras, AI-based passenger counters, panic buttons, wheelchair lifts, emergency hammers, a public announcement system, LED passenger information displays, and a mobile app for digital ticketing and passes.

The trial service will operate on two routes: Chirayu Hospital-Board Office Metro Station-Bairagarh Chichli and Chirayu Hospital-Board Office Metro Station-Railway Coach Factory. Passengers can travel free during the trial period.

In the first phase, 100 buses have been sanctioned under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme on the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, while another 145 buses will be inducted by Bhopal City Link Limited (BCLL) in subsequent phases. So far, 21 buses have reached the newly developed Bairagarh depot.

The transport department has approved 12 routes for e-bus operations out of 26 proposed by BCLL. The longest route will connect Sehore to Ratapani (68.5 km), while the shortest will run between Acharpura Industrial Area and BDA Colony (32 km).

Of the 100 PM e-Bus Sewa buses, 65 will operate from the Bairagarh depot and 35 from the Kasturba Nagar (ISBT) depot. Green Cell Mobility, selected by the Centre, will provide drivers and maintenance staff. It has already installed 11 charging stations at the Bairagarh depot.

Under the GCC model, each bus must operate at least 180 km daily. The operator will receive Rs 58.14 per km, including a Central subsidy of Rs 22 per km and Rs 36.14 per km from the state government.

Commercial operations of the first 100 buses are scheduled to begin on August 15. The city is expected to have a fleet of 245 electric buses, with officials estimating that more than one lakh commuters will benefit from the expanded service.

This initiative is expected to transform Bhopal's public transport network, providing commuters with a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The introduction of electric buses will not only reduce the city's carbon footprint but also provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers.

The success of this project will have a significant impact on the city's transportation system, and it is expected to serve as a model for other cities in the country. With the launch of the electric bus trials, Bhopal is taking a major step towards creating a sustainable and modern public transport system.